Grade 8 ELA Worksheets

In the box below, write the phrase or phrases from the passage that tell the reader the type of character Nick is.

Standard: RL.8.3Domain: Reading LiteratureTheme: Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents in a story or drama propel the action, reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision.

Read the passage from “Dr. Doolittle” and the poem “Song to Myself.” Both areabout being comfortable with yourself. Which character, Dr. Doolittle or the narrator or the poem, do you relate to the most? Within which character do you possess similar characteristics and see the world similarly? Select a personal reflection using one of the passages. Discuss how it makes you feel, and how it affects you.

In the box below, write the phrase or phrases from the passage that give the reader the impression the narrator would rather be nowhere else.

Standard: RI.8.8Domain: Reading Informational TextTheme: Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; recognize when irrelevant evidence is introduced.

You read the two passages from “A Time Machine” and “My Lord Bag of Rice – A Japanese Fairy Tale,” both of a certain time period. The passage “A Time Machine” uses modern details; the passage “My Lord Bag of Rice – A Japanese Fairy Tale” uses prehistoric, older day references. Write an essay describing the narrator in “The Time Machine” and Hidesato in “My Lord Bag of Rice – A Japanese Fairy Tale.” For each character described:

• Explain how the thoughts, words, and/or actions of the character help you understand what the character is like.

• Explain why the characters make the choices they do.

Be sure to include specific details from each story to support your ideas.